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Aside from accessing your home or vehicle through unlocked or opened doors and windows, lock bumping is a common and particularly frightening tactic that you should pay attention to. You’ve heard of burglaries occurring with no sign of forced entry, right? Oftentimes this is either because of leaving doors and windows unlocked or the homeowner has been a victim of lock bumping. If that sounds ominous and unsettling that’s because it is. To protect yourself from it, you’ve first got to understand the technique.

What is lock bumping?

Lock bumping is a lock-picking technique, often used by burglars, to open cylinder and deadbolt locks. This requires a specially crafted key, and is especially terrifying because it can open a number of locks in no time at all – 10 to 20 seconds is all it can takes, and it’s so easy a child can do it. It’s widely accessible; there are YouTube tutorials out there on how to do it, and you can pick up a special bump lock online for practically nothing. Many traditional locks aren’t safe from being bumped, especially old-school cylinder-style locks. So, it’s best to know how to avoid it in general, if you can.

How to Prevent Lock Bumping

Install Bump-Proof Locks

This is one of the most straight-forward and proactive things you can do to protect your home. Bump-proof locks are readily available, complete with anti-bumping pins built into the mechanism. Prices can range from $40 to over $100. Be careful simply going for the cheapest option – you don’t want to invest in a faulty lock that won’t protect you as well. A professional locksmith can guide you to right lock to get the job done.

Invest in Security Cameras

You might not always be able to prevent a robbery from happening, but you can at least catch the thief in the act. Clear footage of the intruder or any getaway vehicle they may have can help you as you work with local law enforcement to track them down. Plus, if you camera is visible enough, the mere presence of it may deter thieves from attempting to enter in the first place.

Anti-Lock Bumping Devices

There are anti-lock bumping devices you can install on your door to help prevent unwanted entry. These aren’t always aesthetically pleasing, like this large cover for your deadbolt and handle, but that’s a small price to protect your valuables.

Security Pin

We’re big advocates for keyless entry systems. By removing the factor of a key that can be easily compromised or even lost and found into the wrong hands, you minimize your risk. Keypad locks also allow you to change your pin as needed. These are great if you’re having a house sitter or plan on being away for extended periods of time.

Additional Security Measures

However far you want to go to protect your home is your choice. Installing a full-on security system is a good option, but it comes with a heftier price tag. You might also consider investing in a safe to protect your most prized possessions, whether they carry intrinsic value or are sentimental, to keep yourself guarded from that worst case scenario.

Deciding which route to take with your home security can be tough and overwhelming. Sevan Locks & Doors can help you navigate your options and help you find what solution will work best for you and you family. Give us a call or shoot us an email today.